When I first saw the Specialized P.Pump concept bike, which tipped the scales at a mere 17.9lbs, I was fascinated. I knew I wanted to build something similar when I considered entering the 2018 BMX Cruiser Races.

This build is a conservative financial effort, utilizing many parts I already had and buying only what I thought held the best value, and could withstand the abuse of Racing. I knew it would come out light and fast – but it’s even lighter and faster than I imagined.

They say the third time is the charm, and that might be true for the book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills. The first two editions set the standard for MTB skills books. The third edition … well … this is a whole new level.

The other day I was working with a client on the big pump track at Valmont Bike Park, and we were having trouble getting him into a proper hinge. His form was perfect on the RipRow, but on the bike he was collapsing into the classic bad squat position: knees forward, butt forward, quads hot, glutes cold, shoulders high. As a result, his pumping was choppy and weak.

This guy was moving great off the bike. On the bike … not so well. I see that every day in classes, but I can usually fix the issues quickly. This was … different.

I have a bike-nerd question that’s been bothering me for a couple of weeks and I think you’re the guy to help!

If you look at freestyle BMX riders they don’t hold the bars at the ends – they seem to consistently hold the bars more inward so that there is an inch or more of grip protruding from each side. Seems to go against the theory of wider bars = more control.

I’ve been playing around with this—move the controls inwards, pushing my thumbs up against the inside of the grips when I’m cornering and only using the full width when climbing—and it seems to put less strain on my wrists, but I don’t know why and I’m not sure if I’m just imagining it. Any thoughts?

The summer/coaching season is starting to wane, and that leads us into winter—the best time to build strength and fitness. Before Kevin dives into Pump Up the Base and Prepare to Pin It, we checked his pedaling power.